Messer's Plan To Close Tax Credit Loophole Included In Tax Reform Bill

WASHINGTON -- An Indiana Congressman's proposal to end tax credits for illegal immigrants has made its way into the new tax reform bill.

Rep. Luke Messer's proposal gets rid of a loophole that illegal immigrants use to receive tax credits. Messer, a Republican, says they can claim the Child Tax Credit without a Social Security Number by using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is issued to individuals regardless of immigration status.

“It's well past time to address both our broken tax code and an immigration system that rewards people who come here illegally,” Messer said in an emailed statement. “Our tax cut plan accomplishes both. I’m excited that part of my proposal to end tax credits for illegal immigrants is included in the plan, so that we can expand the Child Tax Credit for law-abiding, American families.”

Messer says the ITIN loophole is costing American taxpayers up to $7.1 billion, according to a report from the Treasury Inspector General. He filed legislation in January to target the loophole and also urged President Trump to take Executive Action to close this loophole and protect U.S. taxpayers.

Part of Messer’s provision included in the tax cut plan ensures that only taxpayers with a Social Security Number that is valid for work can claim the Child Tax Credit.